Global Online Academy (Cont.)

GOA: Genocide and Human Rights (0.5 credit, fall only)

Students in this course study several of the major genocides of the 20th century (Armenian, the Holocaust, Cambodian, and Rwandan), analyze the role of the international community in responding to and preventing further genocides (with particular attention to the Nuremberg tribunals), and examine current human rights crises around the world. Students read primary and secondary sources, participate in both synchronous and asynchronous discussions with classmates, write brief papers, read short novels, watch documentaries and develop a human rights report card website about a nation of their choice.

GOA: Investing 1 (0.5 credit, fall or spring)

In this course, students simulate the work of investors by working with the tools, theories, and decision-making practices that define smart investment. We explore concepts in finance and apply them to investment decisions in three primary contexts: portfolio management, venture capital, and social investing. After an introduction to theories about valuation and risk management, students simulate scenarios in which they must make decisions to grow an investment portfolio. They manage investments in stocks, bonds, and options to learn a range of strategies for increasing the value of their portfolios. In the second unit, students take the perspective of venture capital investors, analyzing startup companies and predicting their value before they become public. In the third unit, students examine case studies of investment funds that apply the tools of finance to power social change. Throughout the course, students learn from experts who have experience in identifying value and managing risk in global markets. They develop their own ideas about methods for taking calculated financial risks and leave this course not just with a simulated portfolio of investments, but the skills necessary to manage portfolios in the future.

GOA: Investing 2 (0.5 credit, spring only)

Prerequisite: Investing 1

In this course, students expand their knowledge of practices that define smart investment. They explore concepts in finance and apply them to investment decisions in four primary contexts: fixed-income investments, foreign exchange and crypto, commodities, and real estate. After an introduction to theories about behavioral finance, students simulate scenarios in which they must make decisions to add to their portfolio of equities.In the first unit, they learn how fixed-income assets like bonds fit into a larger portfolio to hedge risk in their portfolios. In the second unit, students examine forex trading and the cryptocurrency markets, a riskier and more volatile investment vehicle. In the third unit, students examine how commodities can be a part of a larger portfolio, but also how commodity prices might affect the larger economy. Finally, in the fourth unit, students learn about the array of strategies in real estate investing. Throughout the course, students learn from experts who have experience in identifying value and managing risk in global markets. They develop their own ideas about methods for taking calculated financial risks and build on their understanding from Investing I. They leave this course with a more nuanced view of their overall portfolio and the skills necessary to manage risk in the future.

GOA: Personal Finance (0.5 credit, fall or spring)

In this course, students learn financial responsibility and social consciousness. We will examine a wide array of topics including personal budgeting, credit cards and credit scores, career and earning potential, insurance, real estate, financial investment, retirement savings, charitable giving, taxes, and other items related to personal finance. Students will apply their understanding of these topics by simulating real life financial circumstances and weighing the costs and benefits of their decisions. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to learn from individuals with varying perspectives and expertise in numerous fields. By reflecting on their roles in the broader economy as both producers and consumers, students will begin to consider how they can positively impact the world around them through their financial decisions.

GOA: Race and Society (0.5 credit, fall or spring)

What is race? Is it something we’re born with? Is it an idea that society imposes on us? An identity we perform? A beneficial privilege? Does our own culture’s conception of race mirror those found in other parts of the world? These are just a few of the questions that students in this course explore together as they approach the concept of race as a social construct that shapes and is shaped by societies and cultures in very real ways. Throughout the course students learn about the changing relationship between race and society across time and across cultures. Engaging with readings, films, and speakers from a variety of academic fields (history, sociology, anthropology, literature) students explore, research, reflect on and discuss the complex set of relationships governing race and society.

Modern and Classical Languages

Global Online Academy: Arabic Language Through Culture 1 (Levels 2 and 3 also offered) (1 Credit, Full Year)

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

In addition to bringing Arabic popular culture to life, this course introduces students to the Arabic writing system to communicate in spontaneous spoken conversations on everyday topics. This yearlong course focuses on Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and some of the spoken dialects of the Levant, Egypt and North Africa. With an emphasis on Arabic culture, students will learn commonly used expressions and phrases to develop their skills in listening, reading, writing, and most importantly, conversation. This will be accomplished through synchronous and asynchronous assignments, conversation sessions with the instructor and a group of peers, instructional videos, discussions about culture, and collaborations on group projects with students from around the globe. Since Arabic is becoming one of the most functional languages in the world, especially in the areas of commerce, business, and trade, students participating in this course can avail themselves of the opportunity to learn the language in a highly stimulating and rich cultural context.

Global Online Academy: Japanese Language Through Culture 1 (Levels 2 and 3 also offered) (1 Credit, Full Year)

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

This full-year course is a unique combination of Japanese culture and language, weaving cultural comparison with the study of basic Japanese language and grammar. While examining various cultural topics such as literature, art, lifestyle and economy, students will learn the basics of the Japanese writing system (Hiragana and Katakana), grammar and vocabulary. Through varied synchronous and asynchronous assignments, including hands-on projects and face-to-face communications, students will develop their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. The cultural study and discussion are conducted in English, with topics alternating every two to three weeks. The ultimate goal of this course is to raise awareness and appreciation of different cultures through learning the basics of the Japanese language. The focus of this course is 60 percent on language and 40 percent on culture. This course is appropriate for beginner-level students.